The commencement of funding Ballarat’s election wishlist began on Tuesday as the new Victorian Government unveiled their first budget.

The much-hyped budget didn’t disappoint with no surprises throughout the flurry of announcements.

Ballarat, as expected, will start to see the beginning funds for the majority of election commitments flowing through in the government’s first full financial year.

Major projects such as the Eureka Stadium precinct, taking in the showgrounds and Wendouree Sports and Events Centre redevelopment, and the Ballarat Railway precinct will all receive funding out the $250 million Regional Infrastructure Development Fund.

These projects are expected to receive funding as construction and planning commences with the fund spread into four-year contributions.

However, little is known about how the money will be spread over the four years with specific funding not listed in budget papers.

Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said there would be very rigorous testing around the expenditure of funding.

She said the projects, including the Eureka Stadium and the Ballarat Railway Precinct would receive milestone payments as the project developed.

“Planning and project control and governance are all already well under way,” she said.

Funding for a new ambulance station in Wendouree and the construction of a second cardiovascular catheterisation lab at the Ballarat Base Hospital were also included in the budget.

Ms Pulford said regional funding had been a particular focus for the budget.

“The postcode of a person’s birth and or place of residence should not hinder their ability to access healthcare, education or meaningful employment,” she said.

Not surprisingly for a government claiming to want to turn Victoria into the education state, schools were also a major focus of Tuesday.

For Ballarat, Phoenix P-12 received another $1.8 million towards upgrades in the budget with another $8.1 million to come in future budgets.

Ballarat Secondary College received just over $1.5 million in this year’s budget for the modernisation of their Year 11 and 12 facilities.

Another $4.48 million will be included in future budgets. 

A number of projects are also being funded which were announced late into the previous government’s term.

Ballarat High School is set to receive a huge portion of their promised $8 million Coalition commitment having only spent $31,000 in the previous financial year.  

The Ballarat West Emergency Services Hub also obtained more than $6 million in funding leaving just over $300,00 left to be provided into the future.

A CFA training facility set to be constructed in the Ballan area has gained $300,000 in funding in this year’s Victorian budget.

Prior to Tuesday’s announcement little was known about the construction of the facility following the controversial closure of the Fiskville facility.

While the significant funding helps to sure up the future of the facility, it will not contribute to the construction leaving it in limbo for the time being.

Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said the funding would be used for creating a solid plan for the replacement facility.

“As you would appreciate the decision to close Fiskville has happened very recently,“ she said. 

“(Minister for Emergency Services) Jane Garrett and I have a meeting with (the Moorabool) council later this week to discuss their response to the issue and to discuss their view on what the community needs.”

Ms Pulford said given the early nature of these discussion the focus would be on the people currently employed at the facility as well as the economic impact on the town.

She also reiterated previous comments that the new facility will be built in the Ballan area.